Kansas State Fair Attendees Changing the World, One Light at a Time with ENERGY STAR®

KDHE Helps Spread the Word About the ENERGY STAR® Change a Light Pledge

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today it has renewed participation in the ENERGY STAR® “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign, a growing community of corporations, utilities, manufacturers, individuals, and countless others that have made a firm commitment to change the world, one light – one energy-saving step – at a time.

As a first step towards preserving energy resources and the environment, KDHE is encouraging Kansans to pledge to replace at least one incandescent bulb at home with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb that has earned the government’s ENERGY STAR® label. It is estimated that 1,000 pledges could save 282,000 kWh of energy and prevent 446,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. KDHE hopes to achieve this goal before October 4, 2008, National ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day.

The pledge drive for the 2007-2008 season began at the Kansas State Fair at the KDHE booth in the Meadowlark Building on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Information on the proper disposal of spent CFL bulbs will be available also.

KDHE will take an active role in encouraging individuals to make a simple, yet meaningful commitment by taking the online ENERGY STAR® “Change a Light Pledge.” With lighting accounting for about 20 percent of the typical home’s electricity use, switching to energy-efficient options is a significant way to reduce greenhouse gases, save energy and protect the environment for future generations. Kansans who take the pledge at the State Fair are rewarded with a $1-off coupon towards the purchase of a CFL bulb. To be part of the effort in Kansas, the pledge can also be taken online at: www.energystar.gov.
About ENERGY STAR®

ENERGY STAR® was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR® program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy and money, and help protect our environment for future generations. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).